What's Happening?
The Corn Moon, the final full moon of the Northern Hemisphere's summer, will rise on September 7. This year, it coincides with a total lunar eclipse visible in regions such as Australia, Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. The eclipse will last for 82 minutes, making it the longest since November 2022. However, the eclipse will occur before moonrise in North America, where the Corn Moon will be visible as it rises at dusk. The following evening, Saturn will be visible near the waning gibbous moon, as it reaches its annual opposition on September 20.
Why It's Important?
The Corn Moon and accompanying lunar eclipse offer a unique opportunity for global observation of celestial phenomena. While North America misses the eclipse, the visibility of the Corn Moon and Saturn provides stargazers with a chance to explore the night sky. These events can foster interest in astronomy and encourage educational activities related to space observation. The visibility of Saturn during its opposition enhances opportunities for viewing its rings and moons through telescopes.
